Blue Valentine

Blue Valentine (2010)
Noms: Actress (Michelle Williams)

Why I watched it:
1) Netflix instant watch!

Going in, I was anticipating an incredibly depressing movie, because that is the impression I had from people who'd seen it. I actually didn't find it that depressing. Bleak, oh yeah, but not exactly depressing. It's a story about people who are trying to make their relationship work, and mostly failing. There are moments of connection still, but nothing like how they were at the beginning as we see in the flashbacks. The flashback sequences make the main story more palatable, but also, add a twinge of regret for what was.

In general, I think the best word to describe this movie is "brave." Just telling this type of story breaks the mold from what we normally see in the movies. The movie is so naturalistic and not glamorous, that you mostly forget what Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams are normally like. The moment when the word "brave" popped into my head while watching was the scene where Cindy (Williams) goes to get an abortion, and they actual show her going through the steps of getting the procedure. You don't see the actual procedure, but her in the clinic and the doctor telling her as he completes each step. That is not something I've ever seen in a movie, much less one with A-listers.

I really loved some of the cinematography. There were a number of shots that used reflections in a really great way to be able to see multiple sides of the same thing. Perhaps to show that their troubles are not the fault of one of them or the other. These things just are. My favorite of these shots was definitely when Dean (Gosling) goes to see Cindy at the doctor's office, and you see him in the frame as well as her reflection on the window superimposed over him. So cool.

The soundtrack was also great. I don't think I'd ever heard any of the songs before, but was definitely cognizant of them throughout and liked how they added to the storytelling. Also loved the bonus of Ryan Gosling singing with a silly a voice and playing the ukulele.

Surprise Appearance: While watching I was trying to place Cindy's boss, and realized that he was Louis in the Angels in America mini-series (Ben Shenkman is his name according to IMDB).

Did I cry?: I got really close when Dean was showing the elderly man his new room at the retirement home. He was being so genuinely sweet and seeing the man's appreciation really put me over the edge.

Next up: I have Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa and Before Sunset at home - planning to watch those with the roommates...still....